SOUTH BEND, Ind.—President of the South Bend Cubs, Joe Hart, was live in the ABC57 studio on Wednesday ahead of the team’s first game in the Midwest League Championship.

This is the first time South Bend has played in a championship since becoming a Cubs affiliate.

“Obviously when the big club won the World Series in 2016, it was pretty exciting in itself but now here’s our chance to do something similar at our level. These guys play 140 games during 152 days so it’s a grind,” Hart said.

Four Winds Field will host games one and two of the championship series.

The South Bend Cubs will face off against the Clinton Lumber Kings on Wednesday night.

The second game of the championship will be played on Thursday.

“It’s kind of bittersweet because now we know that Thursday is the last game at Four Winds Field,” Hart said.

Gates open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night and first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. for game one of the championship.

All first responders, active-duty and military veterans can attend the game free of charge with valid identification.